Author: John Huntinghouse

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the 2019 Mutual theme “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” The theme, which was announced by the Young Men and Young Women General Presidencies, is based off of the Bible verse found in John 14:15. “The purpose of the yearly theme is to provide opportunities for youth worldwide to learn about, study, internalize, and apply the principles taught in the scripture. Youth are encouraged to memorize the scripture, study its doctrine, and act on the principles learned throughout the year. In addition, the theme can be used in Mutual...

A shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fallon, Nevada, occurred Sunday afternoon. The shooting happened at an LDS chapel located at 750 W. Richards Street. According to KSL.com “The alleged shooter, John K. O’Connor, 48, entered the chapel after the sacrament had been passed and as the first speaker was beginning a talk and shot the victim at close range, according to Fallon Police and witnesses.” During a press conference, officials said John Kelley O’Connor, 48, entered the church around 1 p.m. and fired shots and then walked home. He was taken into custody...

The First Presidency has announced a series of resources to help Church members and their families study the scriptures at home: Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. The first of these resources will focus on the New Testament, which is the course of study for Sunday School and Primary classes in 2019. “Reading and living by the word of God,” the First Presidency says, “will build faith in Heavenly Father and His plan of salvation and in the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement” (First Presidency letter, June 29, 2018). In addition, new teaching resources, Come, Follow Me—For Primary and Come, Follow Me—For Sunday...

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have announced that “under the direction of the First Presidency, committees have been assembled to recommend revisions to the current hymnbook and children’s songbook. When the revisions are complete, there will only be one hymnbook and one children’s songbook, offering the same hymns and songs in all languages. The new collections will be created over the next several years to reflect the needs of members around the world.” According to the website: “All are encouraged to submit their original hymns, children’s songs, hymn texts, and children’s song lyrics to be considered...

Instagram influencer Collin Kartchner (@collinkartchner) has launched a National Delete Snapchat Day campaign that will be starting June 1st. His post on Instagram is below. As Colin told LDS S.M.I.L.E. when we asked him about the campaign: “As I travel around the state in the country talking to junior high and high school kids at assemblies about the negative effects of social media on their self-esteem and self worth, I’m constantly talking to kids about Snapchat and hearing from them how this is what sucking their life and their self-esteem away. Snapchat is an app that was created...